Summer Game Fest will kick off in full force this week, promising a host of new announcements and trailers for games. June 9 will see Geoff Keighley take the stage for a cross-industry showcase of announcements and games, followed by a packed weekend of showcases. Xbox and Bethesda will be taking the virtual stage on June 12 to cap off the virtual events.
Summer Game Fest is happening in place during the week that would have been E3 2022, bringing the expected annual gaming announcements and updates. Sony began early last week, giving excited fans trailers for Street Fighter 6, Final Fantasy XVI, and the remake of Resident Evil 4. With such a stellar lineup, Microsoft's June 12 showing is expected to be just as packed with new announcements.
In an announcement made on the Xbox blog, Microsoft promises the showcase will feature the latest titles from Bethesda, Xbox Game Studios, and global partners. In case one day wasn't enough, the same blog post announces that an extended show will be airing on June 14, promising around 90 minutes of deep dives into new titles. Much like with Sony last week, details on what exactly gamers can expect are thin, but there's been enough buzz around upcoming Xbox titles to expect a few things.
Xbox Games has a number of working projects that gamers hope to see this weekend. The upcoming Forza Motorsport announced in 2020 may see some screen time, as should the latest iteration of the classic Fable franchise. Halo Infinite should also make an appearance, hopefully teasing information on the upcoming Forge game mode. Even with the game's multiplayer in its second season, Halo Infinite's multiplayer has seen mixed reviews and could use some positive buzz.
With Bethesda headlining alongside Xbox, gamers can expect to hear some new information regarding Starfield, the upcoming science fiction RPG that Bethesda has been talking about for some time. While less certain, news on Elder Scrolls 6 may also show, as there's been little information given since the 2018 E3 reveal trailer. As the game isn't slated to be released until after Starfield, there may not be any information on it. Redfall is another anticipated title viewers should expect, even though it was delayed until 2023 along with Starfield.
Xbox has a host of other titles fans have been clamoring to know more about that could make an appearance this weekend. The Outer Worlds 2 was announced almost exactly one year before the June 12 event and could show off a new trailer. A gameplay reveal for Senua's Sage: Hellblade II was released at the end of 2021, and more details on the sequel are expected. Many working Xbox titles haven't been given release dates yet, and June 12 might be the opportunity Microsoft has been waiting for to provide gamers a timeline for these upcoming releases.
Beyond just games, news on Xbox Game Pass will likely show as well, letting subscribers know what's in store for them in the latter half of the year. Coming in at the tail end of a week expected to be filled with new release dates, announcements and hype, Xbox is sure to pull out all the stops to leave fans satisfied.